Christian Living

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In all truth, a father is one of the most honorable jobs that God bestowed upon men. It is being in the image of the Father that created us and obtaining those same characteristics. Unless we truly dedicate ourselves to be in the image of Christ and aspire to be a higher creature, one that was given authority over all other living creatures, the human race will merely exist and be no better off than the animal world. I look around and see so many fatherless children, with no man to set an example in their lives. Many men take no responsibility for the life they created, their duty is done. And on the other hand, many of the fathers that do stick around are not teaching the right morals and virtues to their children. This is a vicious cycle and one that is difficult to break. Frankly, I’m not sure which of these two evils is better, an ungodly role model or no dad at all?

The problem lies in the fact that God is irrelevant in these dad’s lives. His Word is watered down or doesn’t exist at all. When God’s Word is watered down it becomes like a pot of coffee when water gets poured through the same filter again and again. It has no taste and is just not very appealing. We are living in a society of watered down ungodly living. Just as we all love a good, strong, robust cup of coffee, we should also be making sure our lives are in line with the Father that created us to example Him. We were meant to be a pleasant aroma of thanksgiving and praise unto the Lord, but I fear we don’t satisfy His taste too much in these last days. Frankly, would you like a big cup of lukewarm water to start your day?

I believe that a father’s role is much more important than we are giving it. I got to thinking recently that there is more to a baby’s first words of “da da”. It’s not that it’s easier to say than “ma ma”. No, God has this programmed into us for a reason.

“For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” Romans 8:15

Christ tells us to come to Him as a little child, innocent and trusting. By the Holy Spirit when we come to our beloved Savior, we are aware of our rich inheritance as His child. A human child is also to feel this “adopted” love and safety in the arms of his earthly father. “Abba” when translated actually means, “Daddy” or “Papa”. It connotes tenderness, dependence, and a relationship that is free of fear and anxiety. God intended for all His children to call Him “Daddy!” because He created us and He is the first One we should recognize and run to. This is naturally programmed into us by God the Father. Since He made us in His image, He also gave us the ability to be just like Him in godly traits and character. This is the richest inheritance that an earthly father could ever give his children.

Honestly, a child is a gift from God. A parent is entrusted to raise this child with godly virtues and give this child back to Him, the same way He gave it to us. But, this is not what’s happening. Worldly views and intellect of being selfish, greedy, powerful and striving to be better than everyone else is quickly overtaking the view of godly values. Things in the world today just aren’t what they use to be. It’s everyone for himself and children are learning these same characteristics and the result is not a very pretty one.

God made a man to be a father to be the right influence for his family. This is the greatest legacy a father can ever leave to his children and his children’s children. Why? Because we are the branch of Christ Who gives us life everlasting. Without Him we can do nothing. As long as we continue to try and live without Him, we will eventually die after living a life with no purpose at hand. God however did give us a choice of life or death and He told us to choose life. Just as Satan fell to pride, this sin was handed down to us as well. Pride is not very appealing when all is said and done. It’s a silent killer and we aren’t recognizing it. One day it will be too late.

But, thank God, He provided a better way. Our declining society doesn’t have to remain in this condition. We are all given the choice to live and hand this life on to others. It’s the richest inheritance we could aspire to owning. So, what does it take to be a father? We have looked at what a father shouldn't be, now let’s discuss what a father should be.

“for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans 18:17

A godly father is living in the sphere of salvation where God rules in the heart. It’s not being concerned with the things of the world by observing the external. This righteousness is holy living by obedience to the Father. It’s having peace. This comes from a loving tranquility which is produced by the Holy Spirit. This characterizes all believers by their relationship with the Father and all others. Joy in the Holy Spirit is the attitude of praise and thanksgiving regardless of temporal circumstances. This joy flows from the confidence in God’s sovereignty. This produces a good, strong flavored cup of coffee so to speak. It’s so good that you want more of it. Without it you just can’t start your day.

My pastor put the word father into an anagram. Every letter stands for a godly character that every father should possess. F is friendly. A father should exude friendliness towards others in order to teach his child the importance of treating people the same way they would want to be treated. Christ gave this as a commandment. A is ardent. This is a character that teaches a child to keep pressing on towards his goals and not to give up. It teaches patience because it is a virtue to be able to wait upon the Lord. T is temperate. This shows a child that anger does not solve anything. It is not always getting your own way and getting mad about it. We are told to get angry but sin not, but an uncontrolled temper leads to dangerous situations. Temperate is keeping our anger under control in a godly manner. H is helpful. This is teaching a child that it’s not wrong to offer assistance to others in need. We are told to take care of those who are less fortunate. It's teaching a child that everything is not about them. E is earnest. This teaches the child honesty in all that he does. It is giving your best to God in all things. R is respectful. A father teaches his child the importance of being respectful to others. God’s command tells us that when we honor our parents and respect them, we will have a long life. This is the only commandment that comes with a promise.

Can you just imagine our world if more children showed these Christian attributes? We would have less murders and assaults. We would see more people employed and the number of people living on welfare would decrease. We would see less anger such as road rage where innocent people get killed. We would see more homeless people getting help in order to get back on their feet. Our government would start being honest and everyone would get the same treatment instead of the rich getting richer and the poor getting poorer. Businesses would be conducted for the benefit of everyone involved. We would see less school incidents where students are lashing out at their teachers and less of teachers taking advantage of their students. These are just to name a few things that would fall in line to being raised by a father who was a godly role model.

I don’t know about you but this sounds pretty refreshing to me. And what’s even better is, it can be done! But it’s our choice. What do we want to pass down to our children? If you are a father, I pray you will make a choice to live by serving the Lord. This is the beginning of success.

There is a saying that I always loved. It is this; “A parent gives their children two things; one is roots and the other is wings.”

The roots we give our children should grow deep and strong making our children immovable on a firm foundation of Christ. This in turn gives our children the ability to fly and soar with confidence. Honestly, as a parent can you imagine giving your child a better gift than Christ?

If you don’t know Christ and would like to invite Him into your life it’s only a heart felt confession away. Admit to God the Father...your Father that you have sinned against Him and can’t possibly be worthy to stand in His presence without the atoning blood of His Son Christ to cover you. If you admit that you believe that Christ lived and died and rose again to pay the price for your sins, He will not hesitate to come live inside you through the power of the Holy Spirit. This new change will make you a new creature, one who can pass these godly characters onto his own children. This is the cup of coffee that God is waiting for!

The world rewards quick success but God rewards long-term faithfulness!

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